Custom fly trips

With over thirty years in the business I am proud to say Fishing Breaks has established an unrivalled reputation for the finest chalkstream trips to the private rivers of southern England, with beats that include the most famous of all them all, the River Test, where F W Halford invented modern day dry fly fishing back in the 1800’s.

We offer both a complete guided service and bespoke trips for the independent angler.

Trips of 1 to 7 days
Individuals or small groups
Guided chalkstram days
Trout fishing excursions for family and groups

Independent traveller packages

Advice on where to stay and travel arrangements

In broad terms the chalkstream season runs from April to October, with the waters within 1-2 hours of central London and the international airports of Gatwick and Heathrow. A typical fishing day will run from 9am to early evening, fishing mostly from the bank with some opportunities for wading. We will target our native brown trout, primarily on the dry but with nymphs when feeding patterns demand it. No specialized gear or clothing is required, the usual outfit being an 8’6” rod in the 3-5 weight range.

There is a great selection of local inns and hotels within easy reach of your daily fishing. The guide service includes transportation and gear. If you are travelling further afield, we have similar fishing on the limestone rivers of the Cotswolds and Derbyshire, along with chalkstreams in Yorkshire, northern England.

To discuss your requirements in detail call Sarah or Jamie on +44 1264 781988, email Simon Cooper

Guided chalkstream day

Experience a day on the famous River Test with an expert Fishing Guide at your side.

Meet your guide at the river, at the train station or take advantage of our guide pickup at your local hotel. river for a day of fly fishing on an exclusive beat reserved for your use. You will find your guide to be an amiable and knowledgeable fishing companion who will offer a wealth of advice. All the tackle and equipment is provided, so just dress for a day outdoors. Waders are not required.

We fish mostly for our native brown trout on dry fly and nymph though grayling are regularly caught on the fly. The season runs April to October, with the prime months May to September. Lunch is taken at the local pub.

Guided chalkstream enquiry

Please complete the form below or email your requirements to simon@fishingbreaks.co.uk or call Sarah or Jamie on +44 1264 781988. We will usually get back to you the same day or within 24 hours at the latest.

Your name:
Your email:
Your mobile:

What is the date (or dates) you are interested in and how many people fishing:

Where are you travelling from or staying:

If this is your first booking it would be good to know how you heard about us. Thank you :

Planning your trip

Fishing in England

Unlike some countries where rivers have public access usually for the cost of a government licence, all rivers in England are privately owned with the fishing controlled by the landowner. Access is usually by payment to the landowner or via agents such as Fishing Breaks who represent the owners.

Who can fish and when?

The trout season runs from April to October. There is grayling fishing in the winter months. Anyone may fish for a single day or more. Fishing is available for any number from one to small groups.

Where are the rivers?

The primary chalkstream region is just 75 miles to the south west of London, perfect for a single day or short trip. By car the journey is 90 minutes or the train from central London one hour. Our Guide service includes train station transfers.

Fishing Guides

Chalkstream fishing is not difficult but it is probably different to anything you may have experienced elsewhere. A Fishing Guide is a useful addition for any fishing trip providing advice, tackle, flies and local transportation.

Government fishing licence

We will show you how to buy the visitors version that may be purchased on-line in advance of your trip. The cost is only a few UK pounds.

Clothing and tackle

No specialist clothing is required as you are unlikely to experience any extremes of weather. Dress for a spring or summer day outside, with a hat, sunglasses, rain jacket as a backup and rugged or waterproof footwear. If the fishing requires waders, we will tell you and you should bring your own. Tackle is typically a 3-5 wt. outfit; bring you own or the Fishing Guide will provide everything you require. For more details click Essential Information for Your Trip

The Weather

Average temperature

April 10C/50F	May 14C/57F	June 15C/59F	July 17C/63F
August 16C/61F	September 14C/57F	October 10C/50F

Rainfall

Generally, there is rain one day in three in spring and summer.

Accommodation

There are a great variety of hotels, inns and pubs close to the rivers. We do not make room reservations but we will help you make your choice. See the list of recommended places to stay

Getting around

The primary chalkstream region is 75 miles south west of central London. There are excellent motorway connections and the train is only 1 hour. The fishing area is very compact and you can usually confine your fishing to a 10 mile radius of where you are staying. A car offers the most flexibility or the Fishing Guide will provide daily transportation. Otherwise a train, taxi or walking are options.

Airports

The international airports of Heathrow (57m/92km) and Gatwick (83m/133km) are within easy reach of Stockbridge, the heart of the chalk stream region. If travelling by car, train or taxi the journey time is 1 to 2 hours.

When to book

There is no hard and fast rule. Bookings are made many months in advance or on the spur of the moment.

How to book

Call +44 (0) 1264 781988 or e-mail us with a brief description of your travel plans and fishing requirements. We accept all major credit cards.

More information?

Click on this link Essential Information for Your Trip

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